Significance of Tuat

Tuat, often translated as underworld or Other World, is a hidden realm in Egyptian cosmology. The Sun-god Ra journeys through it during the night, facing dangers and encountering various beings. It is divided into sections, each associated with a specific hour, and contains hidden circles, palaces, and magical figures. Souls of worshippers travel with Ra, striving for everlasting life and facing judgment. It's a transitional realm, not necessarily "under" the world, where plans are arranged and battles against adversaries occur.

Synonyms: -

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Classical concept of 'Tuat'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Tuat in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Book of Gates

(1) The Tuat is a region that the boat of the sun passes through, containing divisions and gateways, with gods of the Tuat towing the boat of Ra.[1] (2) The Tuat is a region traversed by the boat of the sun, as the boat passes through the Eighth Division on its way to the AAT-SHEFSHEFT gateway.[2] (3) It is a region through which the boat of the Sun travels, divided into divisions, each with its own gateway and guardians.[3] (4) The Tuat is a region where the Boat of Ra travels, containing divisions, gateways, and various gods and monsters that Ra must pass through.[4] (5) It is a realm or division containing gods, enemies, and fields, with standards and mummified forms, and is associated with Ra and Osiris.[5]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) The Tuat is the realm that the Sun-god passes through, and the beings within it depend on offerings for sustenance, with souls lamenting when a DIVISION's door closes after the god passes.[6] (2) It is where the dead Sun-god traveled through; it is divided from the world, and the Sun-god bade farewell to Osiris, the Lord of this place, to complete his journey.[7] (3) The Tuat is a region to which worshippers of the Sun-god of Heliopolis relegated the spirits of their dead, and the first division is entered by the Gate called AAT-SHEFSHEFT.[8] (4) The Tuat is a realm that the Boat of AFU-RA passes through, with this specific DIVISION being near the Mountain of the Sunrise, ensuring power to emerge as a spirit.[9] (5) The Tuat of the inhabitants of Heliopolis was represented by AKERT, believed to be situated quite near that city, possibly comprising a part of the Eastern Delta.[10]

From: The Book of Am-Tuat

(1) The Tuat is described as the place through which the Sun-god passes during the twelfth hour of the night, and it contains a hidden circle where the great god is born.[11] (2) The provided text mentions the hidden Circle of the Tuat, through which a god journeys to come forth into the Eastern Horizon of the sky, swallowing its images.[12] (3) The Tuat is a region through which the boat of the sun journeys, divided into sections like the ninth and tenth divisions, according to the text.[13] (4) The Tuat is a hidden region, also known as Amentet, through which the sun god travels, and where various gods and beings reside and perform specific tasks.[14] (5) This is the place that the Sun-god passes through during the Eighth Hour of the night, containing hidden circles and a hidden palace with figures on the north.[15]

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) A location where Osiris Ani does not want to be driven back from, indicating a desire for access to a specific part of the afterlife.[16] (2) A place where there should be no repulse at the pylons. It is a location of significance, and the text expresses a desire to go in and come out without resistance.[17] (3) The Tuat was believed to be entered through a "gap" in the mountains near Abydos, where Egyptian tradition held that the sun ended its daily course.[18] (4) The Tuat was divided into twelve parts, corresponding to the twelve hours of the night; and this Book professed to afford to the deceased the means whereby he might pass through them successfully.[19] (5) According to Dr. Brugsch, the Tuat, or Egyptian underworld, was a space enclosed by a figure bent round in a circle, wherein dwelt the gods of the dead and the departed souls.[20]

From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World

(1) The Tuat is the realm that Setme and his son Si-Osiris enter as manes, where they pass through the seven halls into the great judgment hall.[21] (2) This is a place of entrance to and egress from the underworld, where those who are in it are called the Tuata, representing a transitional realm.[22] (3) It is the entrance to the underworld, which was the place of egress for the life that came into the world by water from 'the recesses of the south.'[23] (4) The text describes the chapters for opening the Tuat as ways of attaining everlasting life by gaining possession of an eternal soul, dealing with adversaries, and winning the crown of triumph.[24]

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) Tuat is the place where the speaker goes down, also described as the Other World, and this is where the father of Isis is located.[25] (2) The Star-gods of this location smell the earth before someone, and is associated with domains making bowings.[26] (3) Tuat is the place where the Majesty of this god wants to make light, indicating a location of importance in this context.[27] (4) Also known as hell, or the Other World, it is where Ra determined to make his light shine, and where he sent Thoth to punish the wicked.[28]

From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

(1) Also known as the Other World or Dead Land, it is a region where souls journey to reach the realm where Osiris lived and ruled over the blessed dead.[29] (2) Also known as the Other World, it is a place that Osiris Kersher enters as one exceedingly pure, being purified by the Goddesses of Truth.[30] (3) It refers to the Other World where Ani converses with Thoth and Temu. It is associated with questions about life and death.[31]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) The Tuat is a realm through which Ra journeys, and the souls of his worshippers travel with him, facing dangers and encountering beings who either join or oppose their progress.[32] (2) It is commonly translated as underworld, but the Egyptian term does not imply it is under this world; the exact meaning of this name is unknown.[33]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.

Meaning of Tuat in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings

(1) The Liturgy was recited in a chamber of the tomb called "Tuat," which served as a designated space for the funerary rituals and offerings.[34]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.